The Week Ahead: Asia, week to 25 October 2026

Economies: the week just gone

KB Financial Group: South Koreans average 6.3 hours sleep, widespread fatigue: Nearly half of surveyed South Koreans report persistent exhaustion, while average nightly sleep declined to 6.3 hours from 6.5 hours in 2024, according to a new report.

IMF Projects 3.1% Global Growth, Fed Lifts Rate to 4.00%: The International Monetary Fund's latest outlook, presented in Bangkok, shows an increasingly uneven global recovery, with Asian long-term bond yields rising 40–60 basis points this year.

HKMA Calls for Financial Innovation to Ease Economic Pain Points: Hong Kong’s top banking regulator, the HKMA, has urged the financial sector to innovate, aiming to transform conventional tools into efficient solutions for the real economy, reinforcing the city's role as a regional financial hub.

Japan PM Takaichi Rejects Yen Weakness Blame, Pledges Fiscal Control: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi denied responsibility for Japan's weak yen and high interest rates, stating her administration will manage government bond issuance in the upcoming fiscal year to bolster currency confidence.

AMRO Urges ASEAN+3 Action on Converging Shocks, Proposes ACT Framework: AMRO's Yasuto Watanabe outlined a three-part policy framework and called for stronger regional financial cooperation at the IMF-World Bank meetings in Bangkok.

Markets: the week just gone

Bank Indonesia holds rate, eases RRR to spur lending: Jakarta equities recovered after the decision, but the rupiah retained its position as Asia's weakest currency this year.

Indian Equities Decline; Zomato, Adani Energy Post Q2 Profit Gains: India's benchmark indices fell for a second session on 22 October 2026, with the Sensex down 0.19%, as companies reported Q2 FY27 results and corporate updates.

India's MK Sons Fine Jewels sets ₹275.4 crore IPO price band: The Mumbai-based jewellery retailer will offer shares at ₹153-162 each, with anchor investor bidding opening on October 27 ahead of the public issue.

AI Earnings Drive Equities Higher; French Bond Yields Hit 5%: Global stock indexes gained on Wednesday, October 21, with Super Micro shares rising 9.5% after exceeding forecasts, as France's 10-year bond yield reached 5%.

MAS Proposes Stricter Rules for Foreign Stablecoin Access: The central bank's 1 September proposal aims to attract international payment firms to Asia's financial markets by allowing regulated foreign tokens.

Banking & Fintech: the week just gone

Mastercard, BVNK unveil global platform for fiat, stablecoin payments: The new Mastercard Global Money Platform, integrating BVNK's technology, offers a single API for banks and fintechs to manage diverse currencies and digital assets.

Episode Six Launches Real-Time Verification for Bank Digital Tokens: The new "Verified Backing" feature helps banks confirm the authenticity and backing of stablecoins and tokenised deposits at issuance and redemption.

HSBC Private Bank, MIT Sloan Launch UHNW Digital Leadership Course: The six-week online programme aims to equip ultra-high-net-worth heirs aged 23 to 30 with skills for family business and wealth management, with its first global cohort starting on 3 November 2026.

HKMA, MAS advance AI frameworks for financial services: The Hong Kong Monetary Authority launched a framework for banking AI, while Singapore's central bank strengthened its own rules to attract investment in the sector.

Societe Generale names Lindsay Chu Apac financial sponsors head: Chu, based in Hong Kong, joins the French banking giant from DBS Asia Capital, where she served as CEO.

Industries: the week just gone

Hyundai Transys to invest $560m in Georgia powertrain output: The South Korean automotive parts maker will upgrade existing facilities and construct a new plant in West Point, creating 320 jobs for hybrid vehicle component manufacturing.

Asia, Europe Boost Coal Imports as LNG Price Gap Widens: Australian thermal coal trades at an 80% discount to liquefied natural gas (LNG), driving Asian and European buyers to increase purchases for November delivery.

Philippines DTI: Vingroup considers $500m EV factory for 2027 start: Vietnam's Vingroup, controlled by Pham Nhat Vuong, may invest US$500 million in an electric vehicle plant in the Philippines, targeting 200,000 units annually with construction potentially starting in early 2027.

EU, Philippines Launch AI Lab for Business Investment Screening: The new facility in Manila will allow micro, small and medium enterprises to evaluate artificial intelligence tools before committing capital, reducing adoption risk.

Philippine Coconut Exports Target West Africa After Liberia Shipment: The Philippines Department of Agriculture is expanding coconut exports to West Africa, following a 50-metric-ton shipment to Liberia by Avante Agri-Products valued at $22,400.

Wealth: the week just gone

India Tax Dept. Demands Justification for Digital Funds: India's Income Tax Department is enhancing oversight of bank account credits, including Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions, requiring individuals and businesses to justify unexplained funds.

Indian Insurers Reject Term Life Claims Over Data Errors: Many Indian families face financial instability when term insurance payouts are denied, often due to policyholders providing incomplete or inaccurate information on applications.